Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect fusion of rich, savory flavors and a comforting, creamy texture. This dish combines juicy, flavorful chicken balls infused with garlic butter, served over a velvety parmesan sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is bound to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, follow these detailed steps to make this restaurant-quality dish at home.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Saucepan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press or fine grater
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix until well combined but do not overmix, as it may make the meatballs tough.
3. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken balls in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
3. Once fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
5. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently in the creamy parmesan sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Place the garlic butter chicken balls on top of the pasta.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Variation

• Cheesy Center: Stuff the chicken balls with small cubes of mozzarella for a gooey surprise inside.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or thyme to the sauce for a unique flavor twist.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

COOKING Note

• Make sure the chicken balls are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so adjust with pasta water as needed.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette.
• Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
• A glass of white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized chicken balls.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken balls—cook in batches.
• Keep the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft in the sauce.
• Stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

A: Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a slightly leaner option.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken balls in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat before serving with freshly made pasta.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of butter for a similar creamy texture.

Presentation Ideas

• Serve the dish in a deep bowl, garnished with extra parmesan shavings.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for color contrast.
• Drizzle with a bit of truffle oil for an elevated touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the chicken mixture: This can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.
• Cooking pasta too early: It’s best to cook the pasta right before adding it to the sauce.
• Skipping pasta water: A little reserved pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• Using pre-grated cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances the flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish that is both indulgent and comforting. The combination of juicy chicken balls, aromatic garlic butter, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this meal a true showstopper. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress anyone who takes a bite. Try it out today and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade gourmet food!

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: anassbourouti
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Balls

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix until well combined but do not overmix, as it may make the meatballs tough.
3. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Balls

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken balls in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
3. Once fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken balls, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
5. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently in the creamy parmesan sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Place the garlic butter chicken balls on top of the pasta.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sodium: 780mg
• Protein: 38g